Feature recognition a.k.a ‘The Wizard’
Sometimes asking a simple question leads to amazing results. For us that question was, “How can we recognize where a part is oriented in the beat way for machining?”. Seems simple right? The part is oriented in an optimal way when a) it fits and b) the required machining is possible.
‘a)’ is still simple. Four of the possible 24 orientations must make make Z the smallest dimension and X the longest dimension, but that should be only 2 possible orientations. Where is the machine required will reduce to 2.
‘b)’ is much more complicated. What is the required machining? How do I know a drill is needed or a pocket is required ? What tools will work or not work?
Out of the ‘thought experiment’ came a set of rules which now define the way ‘the Wizard’ works.
The wizard inspects the part, then in order:
- orients it, keeping
